Varicose veins are a common problem among American adults. Millions of people suffer from varicosities every year, but that does not mean that every person is equally likely to experience this unsightly and uncomfortable issue. There are several factors that impact a person’s risk of developing varicose veins. Dr. Randall S. Juleff, a Louisiana vein doctor, outlines these factors below.
Which Louisiana residents are at risk of developing varicose veins?
The risk factors for varicose veins can be roughly divided into two groups: factors that a person cannot influence and factors that they can. There are three main risk factors that a person cannot change:
Age: As you grow older your veins experience more wear and tear. This damage may cause tiny valves in your veins to become less effective, allowing blood to leak backwards into the vessel below. Therefore, your risk of developing varicose veins increases as you age.
Family History: You have a greater chance of experiencing varicosities if family members have had them too.
Gender: Women have a higher risk of varicose veins than men. This is most likely due to hormonal fluctuations that happen during menopause and pregnancy.
While these three factors can have a major impact on your risk of varicose veins, the best vein doctors in Covington County recommend not spending energy worrying about them. Instead, it is more effective to focus on the factors you can change.
What vein disease risk factors can be changed?
Your lifestyle has an impact on your risk of varicose veins. By changing certain aspects of your life you can improve your vascular function and reduce your risk of disease. In fact, lifestyle changes are often considered an important part of Covington vein treatment. If you are worried about varicose veins, consider the following risk factors:
Obesity: There is a correlation between obesity and varicose veins. Carrying extra weight puts unnecessary strain on blood vessels, increasing the risk of damage. Managing your weight relieves this pressure and allows your vascular system to function more effectively.
A Sedentary Lifestyle: Your veins need regular movement to help push blood against the force of gravity. If you spend most of your day sitting still, your veins are not getting the activity they need, which may lead to varicosities. We recommend at least a half hour of exercise five days a week to keep your blood moving as it should.
Long Periods of Standing: If your occupation requires you to stand in the same position for hours, your blood is likely not getting the push it needs to circulate effectively. Try to take regular breaks to move around.
Learn more with a vein doctor
Understanding varicose vein risk factors is much easier with the guidance of a vein doctor. Reaching out to one of the best Covington County vein treatment centers (such as La Bella Vita Laser and Vein Center) gives you access to the expertise you need to fully understand your vascular health. Dr. Juleff will review your family history, health history, and lifestyle with you to help pinpoint areas that may put you at risk. He and the rest of our caring staff will also guide you to a treatment plan to best address any of the issues you may currently be experiencing. No matter your risk level for varicose veins, there are steps you can take to stay as healthy as possible. Get in touch with our office to schedule your consultation today.
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